LASIK is an acronym for Laser In-situ Keratomileusis, which simply means to shape the cornea (outer window of the eye) so that light rays focus more precisely on the retina, thereby reducing or eliminating refractive errors.
Using an instrument known as a microkeratome, a thin flap of corneal tissue is folded back. The excimer Laser then removes a predetermined amount of tissue from the inner cornea to correct the individual's refractive error. The cornea is made flatter to treat nearsightedness, steeper to treat farsightedness and/or more spherical to correct astigmatism. The corneal flap is placed back in its original position without the need for stitches. LASIK can treat low to very severe refractive errors.

What can I expect during the LASIK procedure?
1. After your eye has been numbed with "eye drop" anesthesia, an instrument known as an eyelid speculum will be positioned to hold your eyelids open. You will remain awake and comfortable throughout your procedure.

2. A small suction ring will be placed around the cornea and serves as a platform for the microkeratome.

3. The microkeratome separates the surface layers of the cornea and the corneal flap is folded back.

4. You will be asked to look at a target light while the excimer laser reshapes the corneal tissue. A clicking sound can be heard as each microscopic layer of tissue is vaporized. This procedure lasts 15 to 45 seconds, depending on the amount of correction necessary.

5. The corneal flap is then placed back into its original position and allowed to dry for a few minutes.

6. You will be given additional eye drops, and your eye may be shielded for protection. Your vision will probably be a little blurry at first, so have someone drive you home and relax for the rest of the day.

What can I expect after the procedure?
For the first few hours after surgery most patients experience a mild irritation. Going home and keeping the eyes closed or napping usually makes the irritation resolve. For the first few hours after the surgery, vision might be slightly hazy like looking through fog. This dissipates with time. By the next morning the vision is much improved and most patients are able to drive without correction. Vision will continue to improve over the next few days.

What are the benefits of laser surgery?
- Clearer, natural vision without the hassles and inconvenience of corrective lenses
- Better vision for recreational sports
- More natural appearance without glasses
- No more fears about being incapacitated in an emergency if lenses are lost
- Can have corrective lens requirement removed from drivers' license
- Wider scope of peripheral vision than glasses provide
- May be safer for eye health than wearing contact lenses for an extended period of time
- New visual freedom for all aspects of life